A Thirsty Soul.

Manawatu Herald, 8 May 1902, Page 3

A Thirsty Soul.

Som6' men got dry sooner than others and need refreshments at hours when such are not conveniently obtainable. The unhappy fate of such a one was related to us the other day, and one almost sympathises in great labour misspent. In the dusk of early night, this thirsty one felt so extremely the harsh licensing laws which compel all houses retailing alcoholic refreshments to close at [ten, for there was this wretched thirst upon him and nowhere was a house open to him to quench it. Walking up and down before one, teasing his fancy with the good old times available were he within, bo passed the yard at the back of the building. A moat unfortunate step as it led to one farther, and then many further, for what did be see ? Why, stacked at one end a row of beer cases; the look was tantalizing, but of course they must be empty for no one would be so foolish as to leave the means for a thirsty one to quench his thirst so free and so handy! he would go and have a look, just to take the chance. He went, noticed that all the cases appeared to be full, and nailed down. Here was luek, seldom met with but to be taken the fullest advantage of. Just fancy a thirsty man outside a full best case ; imagine bis feelings and his hurry to get a taste. Four dozen of beer would do pleasantly for the night, and when he had slaked his thirst he would invite his friends. The first job was to get the ease opened and with much ingenuity and hard work he succeeded in doing. There were bottles packed with straw, everything in order—he was lucky! The first however turned out a dead marine* someone perhaps had been at hil present game—the next one proved empty and this proved so exasperating that emptying bottles and •traw on the ground he worked to the bottom row. All empty. The joy of the parson who was watching, end the grief of the person watched can bo imagined. The cases were those of empty bottles for returns!!!